Club Drug Addiction

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Club drugs are those drugs that are typically used by teenagers and adults at parties, nightclubs, concerts and bars. In many cases, these drugs can be stimulants that increase the user’s ability to stay awake for long periods of time.

In some cases, club drugs can also be depressants.These drugs can lower an individual’s inhibitions by increasing their sense of relaxation. While this sounds relatively harmless, the truth is far more dangerous.

CNS Depressants

GHB is a depressant that is often called a “club drug” or a “date rape drug. GHB works on the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This neurotransmitter controls inhibitions. GHB occurs naturally in the brain, but the dosage is far lower than that which is taken when using drugs recreationally.

Rohypnol is another CNS depressant popular among club drugs. This drug is similar to medications like Xanax. However, it is not approved for any medical purpose in the United States. In fact, it is against the laws of the United States to import Rohypnol for any purpose. Common street names for this drug include “roofies,” “rophies,” “roche” or “forget-me pills.” When an individual takes Rohypnol (or is given the drug without their knowledge) in most cases he or she will have no cognitive memory of their activities.

Both of these drugs are colorless, tasteless and have no odor. They may be found in powder, liquid or pill form. These drugs have both been used to incapacitate women and girls so they are unable to fight off, or even resist, sexual assaults.

Stimulants

MDMA (methylenedioxy-methamphetamine) is a synthetic drug. It has been compared to and reacts similarly to methamphetamine (a stimulant) and mescaline (a hallucinogen).

This drug is known commonly as Ecstasy. MDMA provides the user a feeling of detachment from reality. At the same time, it boosts energy.The drug also creates a euphoric, physically heightened state of awareness.

The effect of MDMA on the human brain is two-fold. On one side, the MDMA attaches to the serotonin in the brain.This is the part of the brainthat is responsible for feelings of sexual desire, pain, pleasure and aggression. Serotonin also plays a part in regulating overall mood.

MDMA prohibits the serotonin from being reabsorbed into the brain, and prolongs the effects of natural serotonin. On the other side, MDMA penetrates the neurotransmitters that release serotonin into the brain. This increases the amount of the substance in the brain. As more serotonin is released, the drug prolongs the effects and gives the user a euphoric high.

Club drugs can be very dangerous as they are often combined together or taken with alcohol.

This behavior can even lead to death. Drugs such as MDMA dramatically increase body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure. Long-term use has been shown to permanently affect the brain’s ability to properly produce and release serotonin. MDMA also affects memory abilities, indicating permanent brain damage.

Methamphetamine is a popular club drug that is found in many forms. A user can snort meth as a powder, inject it as a liquid, or heat it and smoke it. This stimulant is highly addictive after even one dose.

Other Club Drugs

Not all drugs taken in club environments are for human use. Ketamine, is known by the street names “Special K,” “Vitamin K,” “K” and “Cat Valium.” This drug is primarily intended for use as an anesthetic for animals in veterinarian clinics and hospitals. Ketamine is often snorted as a powder or injected asa liquid. Sometimes it is taken as eye drops or even digested orally.[1] Ketamine can cause a wide range of effects. Use causes the user to have poor concentration and can affect the memory. When taken in larger doses, the Ketamine can cause hallucinations, delirium, depression, high blood pressure and acute respiratory conditions. These side effects can be fatal. Several cities with high instances of Ketamine abuse includeSeattle, New York, Chicago, Miami, San Diego, Boston and New Orleans.

LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide) is a hallucinogen that takes the user on a “trip.” The effects of LSD depend upon the individual’s physical makeup, the amount taken, and the mood and expectations of the user. LSD alters how an individual perceives information gathered through their senses of sight, sound, touch, taste and smell.

Long-term effects of LSD can create two very distinct psychological conditions. The first is LSD persistent psychosis. The second is hallucinogen persisting perception disorder, commonly referred to as “flashbacks.” After long-term LSD use, an individual may suffer the auditory and visual hallucinations after significant time has passed, even without the use of more LSD.

Addiction Treatment

Club drugs are addictive. As with other drugs, withdrawal symptoms may occur when an individual stops drug abuse.

It is important to get quality care during the detoxification process.When the detox period is over, a quality rehab program helps theindividual to achieve long-term success in sobriety. If you or a loved one struggles with club drug abuse or addiction, call us today.Pick up the phone and find out how we can help.